Quiz: Howstuffworks

The Ultimate Sewer and Septic Systems Quiz

Staff

Image: refer to hsw

About This Quiz

Most of us probably don't devote a lot of thought to what happens after we flush the toilet. However, occasionally problems do occur and understanding how the waste disposal system works can help us decide how to deal with them. Take this quiz and see what you can do to solve sewage problems.

What is wastewater?

water from a leaking faucet

sewage

water from the toilet cistern

Apparently, this is what sewage is known as in polite society.

Can sewage be simply dumped at sea?

if area is uninhabited within a 10-mile radius

12 miles from the coast

definitely not

Definitely not. Besides its odor, it contains bacteria, solids and chemicals that can adversely affect the environment.

What effect can nitrogen and phosphates have on water in a stream?

cause excessively harmful growth of algae

renew oxygen in water

water dilutes and neutralizes them

Since they are fertilizers, they encourage excessive growth of algae, thereby blocking light and fouling the water.

What effect will increased bacteria have on stream water?

will supply food for the fish

will kill life forms

will help purify the water

These bacteria consume oxygen. The resulting lack of oxygen will kill fish and other life forms.

Why would anyone want their own sewage system?

if it is too expensive to install a sewage system

to control their own waste

enjoy the benefits of free fertilizers

A sewer system in rural areas, where homes are spaced far apart, would be too expensive to install and so homeowners have their own sewage facilities.

What is a septic tank?

a big hole in the yard

a plastic container placed near the drainage pipes of the home

large steel or concrete tank

It is a large concrete or steel tank buried in the backyard.

How many layers are formed within a septic tank?

three layers

two layers

one layer

Three layers are formed: a scum layer, water and a sludge layer.

What causes gases to form in a septic tank?

nitrogen and phosphorous

bacteria breaking down organic matter

bad smell of waste in a sealed environment

Gases are created by bacteria breaking down the organic material in the wastewater.

If you have a P-trap, what is it?

something to separate liquid waste from solid

filter for the vent trap

loop of pipe preventing gasses from entering house

It is a loop of pipe containing water to prevent gasses from flowing into the house.

What is a drain field?

hole with perforated pipes

open field irrigated by filtered wastewater

container that catches rain

It is a trench containing perforated pipes, through which water from the septic tank flows. The water is then filtered by the soil.

Is a pump necessary for a septic system to work well?

Is the saying "the grass is always greener over the septic tank" true?

not really

definitely

only when the septic tank is particularly active

Actually, the grass area over the drain field will be greener, because of the nutrients released into the soil.

How big is a sewer main?

at least 1 to 3 feet (0.3 to 1 m) wide

3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 m) wide

6 to 7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 m) wide

The sewer main could be 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 m) in diameter.

Where is a wastewater treatment plant usually located?

in a low area to utilize gravity

in any uninhabited area

on a hilltop to allow gasses to rise

In order to utilize gravity, these plants are usually located in a low-lying area.

Why are manhole covers round?

no particular reason

so the can easily be rolled away

so they can't fall down the hole

A round cover cannot fall down the manhole.

What usually happens when geography prevents gravity from moving wastewater?

A tunnel will be dug through the obstacle.

Wastewater will be pumped over the obstacle.

Wastewater is transported around obstacle in tankers.

A grinder-pump or lift station will move the wastewater over the obstacle.

How many stages are there in a sophisticated treatment plant?

one stage

two stages

three stages

There are three stages of treatment: primary, secondary and tertiary.

Why should the effectiveness of a treatment plant be monitored?

because of possible environmental hazards

to ensure cost-effectiveness

to comply with local plumbing laws

Because of the huge amounts of water discharged from a plant and the possible damage to the environment, it is essential to monitor for potential hazards.

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